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Chamber's business award winners 'reflect diversity' of London economy

From a technology business to a home ownership rent-to-own provider and finally, a craft brewery, the top winners at the London Chamber of Commerce business achievements awards Tuesday night nicely reflect the diversity of the London business scene, say event organizers.

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From a technology business to a home ownership rent-to-own provider and, finally, a craft brewery, the top winners at the London Chamber of Commerce business achievements awards Tuesday night reflect the diversity of the city’s business scene, event organizers say.

More than 900 people were at London’s convention centre, RBC Place, Tuesday to see Microcad Computer Corp. take home the large business of the year award, while Anderson Craft Ales won the medium-sized business category and JAAG Properties Inc. took home top honours for a small business.

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“I think this nicely reflects the diversity of business and culture in London,” said Pete Thuss, who chaired the organizing committee for the awards event.

“I don’t think a lot people realize what’s happening in strip plazas and back offices in London. There are a lot of fantastic businesses here. Diversity is a great word to describe it.”

The other winners were at the 2022 chamber awards are:

  • Agribusiness: Paradigm Spirits
  • Corporate social responsibility: NAL Insurance Inc.
  • Environmental leadership: EllisDon Corp.
  • Excellence in human resources: BlueStone Properties
  • Innovation: General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
  • Manufacturers: Diagnostics Biochem Canada Inc.
  • Corporate Icon: Budweiser Gardens

At Paradigm Spirits, the win has special meaning because the operation sources many ingredients for the spirits it distills on-site from local suppliers, said Irma Joeveer, a partner in the business.

“We’re touched by this honour; we’re humbled,” she said. “We live in some of the most arable land in the country and there are fantastic suppliers here for us. We get our corn within about 100 kilometres of here.”

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Paradigm, located at One Kellogg Lane near Powerhouse Brewery, distills its own alcohol including a selection of gin, vodka and whisky flavours. It also offers casual fine dining on-site.

The distillery buys fresh fruit from Heeman’s and lavender and juniper from area farms as well. Even its restaurant menu is “highly local,” Joeveer said.

“This award means we will work even harder to highlight our business. We will try to keep innovating,” she said.

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Like other businesses, Paradigm is still emerging from the pandemic, saying sales this year are “about the same” as 2021. Joeveer is hoping for a rebound now that pandemic restrictions have eased.

“I think the post-COVID rebound is still happening for a lot of businesses,” she said.

Microcad sells computer hardware, parts and refurbished computers.

JAAG Properties runs a rent-to-own home ownership program that includes mortgage financing.

Anderson Craft Ales is a family-owned business that makes small-batch premium beer. It offers five core brews and a variety of seasonal brews. The brewery also has a restaurant at its Elias Street address.

The awards event featured 19 businesses nominated in nine categories. The finalist list was pared down from a nominee list of more than 40 businesses.

ndebono@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/NormatLFPress

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